BBudo has its roots in China where it was commonly known as "Wushu" and was imported into Japan in antiquity. Originally an art of war and philosophy used by samurais, it then evolved into traditional budo, under the influence of Japanese Masters.
Today's Yoseikan Budo draws its inspiration from both traditional and modern Budo, with influences from Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, and Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido.
From the Yoseikan dojo, Japan, to Yoseikan Budo |
The Mochizuki family
Minoru Mochizuki (center) with his son Hiroo and his two grand sons Michi and Kyoshi, in France (Dec.1999)
Master Minoru Mochizuki
Born in 1907, Master Minoru Mochizuki was 10th dan in Aikido, 9th Dan in Ju-Jitsu, 8th Dan in Judo, 8th Dan in Iaido and 8th Dan in Katori Shinto Ryu Kobudo, and 5th Dan in Karate. He studied directly under Masters Kano, Mifune, Funakoshi and Toku. He was assistant to both Master Kano and Master Ueshiba. He was the first ever to show Aikido in Europe, and was one of the greatest Masters of the 20th century. He died in France in 2003.
In 1931, Master Minoru Mochizuki opens the Yoseikan dojo, at the foot of the sacred Fuji Yama, and teaches Judo, Aiki-Jujitsu, Iaido, Kobudo (and Karate under the direction of Master Sano). Later, Master Minoru Mochizuki went to Europe, the USA and Canada several times to introduce and teach Aiki-Budo in those countries.
He introduced Aikido to Europe in 1951.
Master Minoru Mochizuki died in France in 2003 at age 96.
Master Hiroo Mochizuki
In 1957, Minoru Mochizuki sends his eldest son, Hiroo, to France with the task of introducing Karate in Europe. Hiroo Mochizuki will stay there until 1959, and then return to Japan to finish his VMD studies. In 1963, he comes back to Europe and participates in the creation of the French Karate Federation (FFKAMA). In 1964 he becomes the first technical advisor to the French Karate Federation and European Karate Union. In the 70's, under supervision of Hiroo Mochizuki, the French Karate team becomes the first foreign team ever to defeat the Japanese team in the Karate world championships.
In 1965, Master Hiroo Mochizuki creates his own school of martial arts, called "Yoken" (mastery of sabre and fist). Later, he renamed it YOSEIKAN BUDO in homage to his father.
Born in 1936 in Shizuoka, Master Hiroo Mochizuki has an extensive knowledge of martial arts. He trained with his father, and also with Masters Hyogo, Ostuka (the founder of Wado Ryu Karate) and Michihara (the founder of Shotokan Karate) as well as Ueshiba. He also practiced Boxing, Kickboxing, and has a marked interest in Chinese martial arts. He currently is 9th Dan in Karate, 8th Dan in Aikido, 8th Dan in Jujitsu, 3rd Dan in Judo, 7th Dan in Iaido and Kobudo. He is presently the Soke, or Grand Master, of Yoseikan Budo worldwide.
Master Hiroo Mochizuki is the creator of Yoseikan Budo as is it practiced today around the world.
He created the French Yoseikan Budo Federation in 1975, the International Center of Yoseikan Budo in 1978, and received from his father the title of successor in all areas of Yoseikan Budo in 1992. In 1997 he established the Yoseikan World Federation.
From the Yoseikan World Federation to Taiwan Yoseikan Budo |
Godfrey Zwygart brings Yoseikan Budo to Taiwan
Strangely, Yoseikan Budo developed on Western continents (Europe, America, Africa) but was totally ignored in Taiwan and China. This, partly because Chinese people were long interested in Chinese martial arts, but mostly because Yoseikan Budo was never seriously advertised and promoted through competition. It was about time, and Yoseikan Budo has been available in Taiwan since 1999.
The organization is established as a National Federation. Foreigners living in Taiwan and Chinese people alike show a lot of interest in this very realistic form of martial arts that emphasizes practical work and full-contact, has clear teaching methods and features courses in English.
Most martial arts in Taiwan are practiced at school by students (or in very private "Guan", for the Chinese adults) and there was a real need to make these activities available to all in Taiwan, especially:
ORGANIZATION |
As shown on the chart below, TYB depends directly on the Yoseikan World Federation. This means that TYB is always acting in respect of the YWF guidelines, and that our instructors and our students will always have proper technical support, as well as regular training from the world federation.
Besides, each member or student, when registering with TYB, is automatically registered with the Yoseikan World Federation, and gets a Yoseikan passport valid worldwide. Our members may therefore continue to practice when they move abroad, since their passport will mention every detail of their training and grades and be recognized by all Yoseikan clubs abroad, and by most other federations, in the range of the Yoseikan activities.
ROOTS TREE |
